Taking Different Approaches to Make it Work in the Lāna‘i Adult Softball League

By Anthony Kaauamo

Transitioning from coach to player, Keo Sanches reflects on the interplay of these roles. “Knowing the mechanics of the game, the rules, and what to do in different situations. The stuff that you teach your players. For me as a player now, it’s about incorporating what you coach into action.”

As sheets of rain pour over the baseball diamond, Keo, in the striking white and blue jersey of his team, Strictly Aloha, adjusts his baseball mitt. Amidst the downpour, his team’s pitcher, Israel Zablan, squints, fine-tuning his grip on the slick ball. With a determined underhand throw, he lofts the yellow sphere toward the batter, Morgan Jonas, from team Kold Blooded Soldiers. His bat connects and sends the ball slicing through the rain, leaving a fleeting dry trail behind it.

The Lāna‘i adult softball league, supported by the County of Maui’s Parks & Recreation Lāna‘i District Office, features 12 teams: Home Grown, Water Murky, Dakine, All Nutz, Strictly Aloha, Kold Blooded Soldiers, KSA, Sasi, ACK, Hated By All, Lil Bits, and Islanders. These teams boast custom jerseys, ranging from tribal prints to clean, diverse designs, adding visual vibrancy to the league. Players personalize their jerseys further, choosing to display either their last names or distinctive nicknames.

The game’s rules have been adapted for safety and inclusivity, including a unique running path to home base and score caps per inning, with a mandate for at least two female players on each team. This inclusivity ensures a level playing field, accommodating the league’s diverse age and gender composition. Morgan Divina of Strictly Aloha voiced her support for gender inclusivity in the league. “Why not? It should be fair. There should be at least one female playing on the field.”

Moreover, the league is a unique blend of Lāna‘i locals and off-island contractors from various construction companies working on projects at Kaluako‘i and Hōkūao. Among these contractors is Kauka Kuamo‘o, a scaffolding specialist from BrandSafway, who has been on Lāna‘i for two years, working weekdays and returning to ‘Aiea, O‘ahu, on weekends. He fondly compares Lāna‘i to his memories of ‘Aiea, reminiscing, “This was how ‘Aiea was. Wave to everybody. Never had the highway when I was growing up. Simple.” It’s a sentiment of simplicity and community he finds in Lāna‘i.

His respect for the island community is evident not just in words but also in action. A key figure in the softball league, Kuamo‘o contributes both as a player and a volunteer umpire. His efforts in establishing the modified rules demonstrate his commitment to the needs of diverse players, including the young, the old and female participants. Kuamo‘o’s involvement is a clear example of how the league serves as a platform for both community engagement and positive after-work activities, steering participants away from solitary screen time towards interactive community participation.

“It’s a community thing, just to get involved with the community, especially everybody from here, they work hard all day, and then something to relax about and go out there and just hit some balls, get together with everybody, just communicate with everybody, have a good time,” Kuamo‘o said.

The Finals Tournament, which commenced on January 10, 2024, encountered a challenging start. The first week and a half was marked by persistent rain, turning the field muddy and the grass slick with water. These conditions led to postponed games and added a layer of complexity to the competition. Players like Pablo Aguilar of All Nutz adapted to these demanding circumstances. “It introduces a different kind of challenge, but it remains fun,” he commented, showcasing their resilience.

The tournament culminated on a clear night on January 24 with Strictly Aloha emerging victorious against ACK, a contractor team from Kobayashi, Inc., clinching a 25 to 12 win. 

Francisco Cantero of team KSA extended his gratitude to the staff of Maui’s Parks & Recreation Lāna‘i District Office for their support and expressed his hope for continued support from Maui County. “It’s more than a game; it’s a community activity that keeps us engaged and active.”